The buildings of Cascastel
Discovering the site of Cascastel
It is infortunate that the best position to view th historical site of cascastel is from the left bank of the river Berre which is a private property.
The pailhoux family in the 18th century created a paradise on earth with the Château, the bridge and the gardens all forming an oasis
irrigated by the "beal" ( a water irrigation channel). Outside this green paradise was an untamed, chaotic and wild coutryside.
To view the old village and Château today the visitor must take a narrow passage between buildings leading onto the stone bridge
or be content with the view which can be seen from the newer iron bridge.
The developpement of an itinery giving access has been agreed to since the creation of parking places on the Quai of the Berre.
On the North side of the Church it is possible to see the structure of the buildings as this has not been rendered over with a concrete covering.
On the same side is the site of the ancient "ferratjal" or hay field ( a field growing fodder for animals) of the Curé but which is today inacessible.
A plan to separate the property owned and rented out by the Mairie (the commune or village) and to clear the area and give access is been considered.
Access need to be cleared to allow the visitors to discover a medieval site and the paradise of a French 18th century family
but also to enable the local Cascastelloise to have closer acquintance with their identity, their roots and local pride.